Just to clarify my earlier point, I was specifically taking issue with your take on the linesman’s call. In this case, I just happen to think there was some “real evidence” of interference from the linesman. It’s hard to disagree that the fans lack playoff experience, but I fail to see how that had anything to do with the linesman’s call. I think the fans just saw the same interference that Chimera saw. And obviously being a fan, you’re going to take the side of your team. In the end, it was the right call, it’s just really unfortunate how it came about. You weren’t being snide in your remarks, I think the word I was looking for was dismissive. If you look at all of your glowing remarks about the fans, it’s odd to see you quickly dismiss the emotions of the fans and chalk it up to their ignorance of the playoffs. I think I read too much into it and it just rubbed me the wrong way.

HC – Yeah, OT would have been intense.

woodk – I’m not sure what you find snide. I reread the post, and I don’t see it. I think you are kidding. Are you? Man, I’m freaking out now.

I watched the replay of the controversial call over at nhl.com. You can see, that the linesman was clearly in the way preventing the soon to be six man from leaving the ice. Why do you think Chimera was so upset with the call? It was because he saw the interference by the linesman with his own two eyes! It certainly wasn’t because he misunderstood the rules of the game. Oh and the “inexperienced” fans saw it too. The technical aspect of the call was never in dispute, it was how the call came about that rightly upset and confused most Jackets fans.

Overall it was a great game and the Blue Jackets left it all on the ice for their fans. They finally made it to the playoffs for the first time. No sports fan could ask for anything more.